Hello from sunny Ponoka. Chris had a good night sleep and was up and in his chair when we arrived about 10:00 this morning.
The OT was in at 10:30 and did a half-hour workout with him, focusing on hand and arm movement. Afterwards, Chris got into his chair and brought his lunch with Uncle Larry and me to the cafeteria and we all had lunch together. He had a brief rest before it was time for his first session in the pool with the Physio and Rec therapists. I was able to get in the pool with them and show them the exercises we were doing at aquatherapy. They were interested in learning about aquatherapy he had been doing in Aldergrove with Joyce and Holly. As it is relatively new to them to work with someone who cannot get in and out on their own, it was a learning experience for them as well. Chris seemed to feel right at home in the water!
It was a busy day and he was soon fast asleep after getting back into bed about 4:15. We didn't get outside to enjoy the sunshine today as it was a little too busy. Hopefully, we'll be out for some sun tanning tomorrow if the weather holds. Anthony, the OT stopped by to see how the water session went and was quite amazed at the responsiveness Chris showed today since the last session he had with him. There will be a meeting of all therapists and doctors tomorrow to talk over the effects of the drugs they have been trying since last Thursday!
All in all, it has been a very good day.
Cheers to you all!
Kevin
Monday, March 30, 2009
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Sunday
Hello on a sunny Sunday.
Chris seems to have a lot of energy today, awake and wanting to look around. We had lunch and then a long walk outside around the ground. It is all covered with snow and ice but the sun is out and bright with all the reflection off the snow it is quite nice.
Something has gotten into him because he just won't sleep today. He was up for 5 hourss and outside for an hour in fresh air but now keeps looking around and fighting sleep. It's about 5:30 now and he is having his dinner and slowing down a little, so maybe now he will drift off into a comfortable sleep. Tomorrow is the start of Chris' 4th week here. Wow. It is passing by fast. Lots to do. Will post another update tomorrow after the day is done.
Bye.
Kevin
Chris seems to have a lot of energy today, awake and wanting to look around. We had lunch and then a long walk outside around the ground. It is all covered with snow and ice but the sun is out and bright with all the reflection off the snow it is quite nice.
Something has gotten into him because he just won't sleep today. He was up for 5 hourss and outside for an hour in fresh air but now keeps looking around and fighting sleep. It's about 5:30 now and he is having his dinner and slowing down a little, so maybe now he will drift off into a comfortable sleep. Tomorrow is the start of Chris' 4th week here. Wow. It is passing by fast. Lots to do. Will post another update tomorrow after the day is done.
Bye.
Kevin
Friday - Saturday March 27-28, 2009
Hello,
It's now Friday, March 27. I got back to Ponoka yesterday. Things are progressing. Chris was looking a little worn and frustrated today, I think because the physio/occupational therapist appointments were cancelled due to meetings and other stuff happening. Recreational and speech therapy stilll proceeded as usual. Maybe lack of challenge bored him yesterday? Definitely get the feeling he did not want us to go lastg night. Uncle Larry is here visiting this week as well.
Physio had him up and out at 9:30 this morning. After fixing the braces and adejusting the chair again we were able to get his lunch and take it with us to the cafeteria for our lunch. Meet the full time Charge Nurse Lorna. Nice lady seems to be in charge with everybody knowing their jobs. She was telling me of the drug now being tried and the observations they were doing and recording. This afternoon is speech again. Going to get him back to bed for a sleep now before this afternoon sessions stgart. Speech therapist was in and got some good swallows happening even though we had to wake him with a warm cloth se he wasn't drowsy. As 4:30 to 5:30 rolled around his dinner was started and he was asleep for most of it and ready for a good night.
Saturday morning Chris got sick but think it was due to his feed being sped up and a little coughing and uneasy feeling that gets him red and aggravated. He was in bed most of the morning relaxing and taking it easy. We got him up and in the chair for lunch. All went well. He has now been sleeping for most of the afternoon. U. Larry found a set of Legends of Hockey VHS but we cannot get access to the big screen. We will keep trying to get in on the TV.
Thanks.
Kevin
It's now Friday, March 27. I got back to Ponoka yesterday. Things are progressing. Chris was looking a little worn and frustrated today, I think because the physio/occupational therapist appointments were cancelled due to meetings and other stuff happening. Recreational and speech therapy stilll proceeded as usual. Maybe lack of challenge bored him yesterday? Definitely get the feeling he did not want us to go lastg night. Uncle Larry is here visiting this week as well.
Physio had him up and out at 9:30 this morning. After fixing the braces and adejusting the chair again we were able to get his lunch and take it with us to the cafeteria for our lunch. Meet the full time Charge Nurse Lorna. Nice lady seems to be in charge with everybody knowing their jobs. She was telling me of the drug now being tried and the observations they were doing and recording. This afternoon is speech again. Going to get him back to bed for a sleep now before this afternoon sessions stgart. Speech therapist was in and got some good swallows happening even though we had to wake him with a warm cloth se he wasn't drowsy. As 4:30 to 5:30 rolled around his dinner was started and he was asleep for most of it and ready for a good night.
Saturday morning Chris got sick but think it was due to his feed being sped up and a little coughing and uneasy feeling that gets him red and aggravated. He was in bed most of the morning relaxing and taking it easy. We got him up and in the chair for lunch. All went well. He has now been sleeping for most of the afternoon. U. Larry found a set of Legends of Hockey VHS but we cannot get access to the big screen. We will keep trying to get in on the TV.
Thanks.
Kevin
Friday, March 20, 2009
Friday March 20, 2009
Hi to all,
Thursday and Friday Chris has been doing great with all the different programs he is still responding to all the action, he definitely comes more to life when being challenged. It is almost like it's the only way right now that he can show he understands.
The work load seems to wear him out each day and sleeps are getting more and more regular. He has slept through the last two nights pretty well, I make reference to this because his sleep patterns were all over the place at home and as we all know there was nothing here to challenge him at all except the things we took him out to
.
When I check in the mornings the nurses are super at concise and accurate information regarding Chris. If you could meet the doctors and the nurses you will understand what I am raving about and most who go to visit will meet them.
Don’t get me wrong it’s not perfect, but they are damn good.
I have asked the Recreation therapist to start the process to approve Chris for aqua therapy similar to what I was doing with him here. She said it would take a couple of weeks to get him in the water and see how he reacts so that they can approve me to take him in the water.
I would take him in after all therapies have finished, sort of an end of the day relaxation session as well the recreation therapist has said she will try to include a couple of sessions in her time during the days seeing as how he responds so well in the water.
There are therapists assistants who will take Chris down to the computer room and bring up the NHL page and go over the scores and games from the night before. This is great as that is how he started each day by checking the standings and games from the previous night. Chris’ Mom had said all the classes and work outs for Thursday went well and he continues to respond in the sessions (slowly but surely).
Any letters or correspondence you may want to send to Chris can be sent to:
Dr. Christopher Bigelow
C/o Halvar Jonson Center for Brain Injury
P.O. Box 1000
Ponoka, AB T4J 1R8
Thank you,
Kevin
Thursday and Friday Chris has been doing great with all the different programs he is still responding to all the action, he definitely comes more to life when being challenged. It is almost like it's the only way right now that he can show he understands.
The work load seems to wear him out each day and sleeps are getting more and more regular. He has slept through the last two nights pretty well, I make reference to this because his sleep patterns were all over the place at home and as we all know there was nothing here to challenge him at all except the things we took him out to
.
When I check in the mornings the nurses are super at concise and accurate information regarding Chris. If you could meet the doctors and the nurses you will understand what I am raving about and most who go to visit will meet them.
Don’t get me wrong it’s not perfect, but they are damn good.
I have asked the Recreation therapist to start the process to approve Chris for aqua therapy similar to what I was doing with him here. She said it would take a couple of weeks to get him in the water and see how he reacts so that they can approve me to take him in the water.
I would take him in after all therapies have finished, sort of an end of the day relaxation session as well the recreation therapist has said she will try to include a couple of sessions in her time during the days seeing as how he responds so well in the water.
There are therapists assistants who will take Chris down to the computer room and bring up the NHL page and go over the scores and games from the night before. This is great as that is how he started each day by checking the standings and games from the previous night. Chris’ Mom had said all the classes and work outs for Thursday went well and he continues to respond in the sessions (slowly but surely).
Any letters or correspondence you may want to send to Chris can be sent to:
Dr. Christopher Bigelow
C/o Halvar Jonson Center for Brain Injury
P.O. Box 1000
Ponoka, AB T4J 1R8
Thank you,
Kevin
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Tuesday March 17,2009
Hello,
Tuesday and the program still continues, Chris seems to be responding and fighting to take part in programs answers are usually gotten by therapists to the action required. Good to see him worn out at the end of the day after all the action he has to go through.
I will be with him until just after lunch when the last of the meeting sessions with the therapists will take place then I will be home for a few days and back to maybe start taking him in the pool for some aquatics once they approve him and then me for doing this. There may be a lot of red tape but they are willing to try just about anything that can be justified or explained. This place really does live up to the doctors motto of never say never. If it helps the person they are on board.
I will up date the days I am not there by passing on the info I get from the nurse in charge each morning.
Bye for now,
Kevin
Tuesday and the program still continues, Chris seems to be responding and fighting to take part in programs answers are usually gotten by therapists to the action required. Good to see him worn out at the end of the day after all the action he has to go through.
I will be with him until just after lunch when the last of the meeting sessions with the therapists will take place then I will be home for a few days and back to maybe start taking him in the pool for some aquatics once they approve him and then me for doing this. There may be a lot of red tape but they are willing to try just about anything that can be justified or explained. This place really does live up to the doctors motto of never say never. If it helps the person they are on board.
I will up date the days I am not there by passing on the info I get from the nurse in charge each morning.
Bye for now,
Kevin
Monday, March 16, 2009
Monday March 16, 2009
Hello,
Monday start of a new week lots of activities planned for the week. Met with the OT and got the bugs sorted out with the chair and splints that feels better already.
Speech therapist was in several times mainly because Chris was sleeping a lot she is very patient and does not disturb him or move forward with trying new things unless she gets a sign from him that it is all right. Been here a week an already 3 baths and a couple of hair washes!!!! Definitely something wrong with our home system (Sigh).
Dr. Gray was in to meet us late in the afternoon as this was his first day back I did not expect to meet him until tomorrow. Nice man very down to earth friendly and full of knowledge. We learned also that Dr Rosencranz and Dr Gray only work in the unit that Chris is in other than the fact Dr gray oversees the whole unit. There are 3 sections to the Brain Injury Unit.
Will have more to tell tomorrow after all the therapies are now getting to know Chris.
Good Night
Kevin
Monday start of a new week lots of activities planned for the week. Met with the OT and got the bugs sorted out with the chair and splints that feels better already.
Speech therapist was in several times mainly because Chris was sleeping a lot she is very patient and does not disturb him or move forward with trying new things unless she gets a sign from him that it is all right. Been here a week an already 3 baths and a couple of hair washes!!!! Definitely something wrong with our home system (Sigh).
Dr. Gray was in to meet us late in the afternoon as this was his first day back I did not expect to meet him until tomorrow. Nice man very down to earth friendly and full of knowledge. We learned also that Dr Rosencranz and Dr Gray only work in the unit that Chris is in other than the fact Dr gray oversees the whole unit. There are 3 sections to the Brain Injury Unit.
Will have more to tell tomorrow after all the therapies are now getting to know Chris.
Good Night
Kevin
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Sunday March 15, 2009
HEY EVERYONE,
Another slow day in Ponoka, Shelley and I spent the day with Chris he was extremely relaxed and did seem to be quite alert off and on for a couple of hours. New nurses on today and they are great willing to listen and take part in what we show them also very caring.
The weeks schedule is posted Sunday night for the upcoming week so it is exciting to see that everything we had to beg for and never got prior to coming here is just a matter of fact here.
Got to pinch myself at times to believe one person can get that much attention in a medical setting!
Will update with Mondays tomorrow as there is a doctor change on Monday the two main docs do 10 weeks each alternating.
Bye for now
Kevin
Another slow day in Ponoka, Shelley and I spent the day with Chris he was extremely relaxed and did seem to be quite alert off and on for a couple of hours. New nurses on today and they are great willing to listen and take part in what we show them also very caring.
The weeks schedule is posted Sunday night for the upcoming week so it is exciting to see that everything we had to beg for and never got prior to coming here is just a matter of fact here.
Got to pinch myself at times to believe one person can get that much attention in a medical setting!
Will update with Mondays tomorrow as there is a doctor change on Monday the two main docs do 10 weeks each alternating.
Bye for now
Kevin
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Saturday March 14, 2009
Quiet day today the place shuts down completely on the weekend. Seems allot of people go home or out on weekends so probably a great time to visit.
The weekdays are so busy and tiring there would not be a great deal of visiting time even though most staff are very obliging.
Chris is catching up on sleep as it was a very lazy day.
I will be picking Shelley up tomorrow morning and heading down for the day with him. It is supposed to snow again in the morning and it is a little below freezing -4 to -7 so icy and takes a while to warm up.
We sat in the sunshine today for awhile even though it was only 7 degrees it felt it was 20 in the sun.
Dr Gray takes over on Monday so it will be our first meeting in person either Monday or Tuesday I will keep you updated the best I can.
Thank you for checking, better yet thank you for caring.
Kevin
The weekdays are so busy and tiring there would not be a great deal of visiting time even though most staff are very obliging.
Chris is catching up on sleep as it was a very lazy day.
I will be picking Shelley up tomorrow morning and heading down for the day with him. It is supposed to snow again in the morning and it is a little below freezing -4 to -7 so icy and takes a while to warm up.
We sat in the sunshine today for awhile even though it was only 7 degrees it felt it was 20 in the sun.
Dr Gray takes over on Monday so it will be our first meeting in person either Monday or Tuesday I will keep you updated the best I can.
Thank you for checking, better yet thank you for caring.
Kevin
Friday, March 13, 2009
Friday March 13, 2009
Hi Again,
Friday morning things a little backwards replacement worker not doing anything that was set out frustrating but time seems to correct most things. Anthony the OT came along and helped with most of the problems as well as the nurse filling in today seems to understand the splinting and seating issues very well. A few more things to go this afternoon and then quiet arrives for the weekend no therapies or treatments happen on the weekends. Just keep reading the days like an open book some are great some are not. Not everything in life is perfect. Over all things are happening and Chris is responding in very subtle ways, as Shelley and I were talking sometimes we think we see things that we don’t know are real movements or reflexes so having staff we have never met comment on how he responded is great news and definitely warms the heart and boosts the drive!
Kevin
Friday morning things a little backwards replacement worker not doing anything that was set out frustrating but time seems to correct most things. Anthony the OT came along and helped with most of the problems as well as the nurse filling in today seems to understand the splinting and seating issues very well. A few more things to go this afternoon and then quiet arrives for the weekend no therapies or treatments happen on the weekends. Just keep reading the days like an open book some are great some are not. Not everything in life is perfect. Over all things are happening and Chris is responding in very subtle ways, as Shelley and I were talking sometimes we think we see things that we don’t know are real movements or reflexes so having staff we have never met comment on how he responded is great news and definitely warms the heart and boosts the drive!
Kevin
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Thursday March 12, 2009
Hi Again,
Dropped Shell and Kylan at the airport this morning and then hustled down to Ponoka for meeting at 10:30 with the co-coordinator. Got here a bit early and Chris had already finished his breakfast and was out at Physio with Anthony. Met with Dr Rosencranz until lunch then checked in on Chris he was already halfway through his lunch.
His meals are being changed and run at a faster rate to free up more interaction time with the different staff. He will now have 5-6 hours available for therapy sessions as opposed to the couple of hours before; basically he had to spend all the day being fed!!!!
Going now 1:30 to meet again with Physio and 2:30 I am to finish my meeting with the Social worker and then Chris and I will be meeting and discussing the situation with the speech and swallowing.
X-rays and tests were finished this morning as the results come back within hours (Surrey took days) all the final adjustments can start taking place.
Another busy afternoon seems the people you need to talk to are always busy when you are free and vice-versa. Slowly but surely things are falling together and it looks like the worst day here is equivalent to a good day at Ivy Dale. Not saying there wasn’t a great bunch of people that worked with Chris it’s more the organization and care and accountability. Structured environment that is always moving forward, so interaction between the different disciplines is important this in itself acts as a policing system because everyone books their time based on other activities that are planned so if you don’t show someone is looking for you and asking questions. So much more continuity it is wonderful and I am humbled at the chance for Christopher to be a part of this and to at least have a chance to build on the healing that has already taken place. Taking Chris back for dinner now will update with tomorrows activities later.
Kevin
Dropped Shell and Kylan at the airport this morning and then hustled down to Ponoka for meeting at 10:30 with the co-coordinator. Got here a bit early and Chris had already finished his breakfast and was out at Physio with Anthony. Met with Dr Rosencranz until lunch then checked in on Chris he was already halfway through his lunch.
His meals are being changed and run at a faster rate to free up more interaction time with the different staff. He will now have 5-6 hours available for therapy sessions as opposed to the couple of hours before; basically he had to spend all the day being fed!!!!
Going now 1:30 to meet again with Physio and 2:30 I am to finish my meeting with the Social worker and then Chris and I will be meeting and discussing the situation with the speech and swallowing.
X-rays and tests were finished this morning as the results come back within hours (Surrey took days) all the final adjustments can start taking place.
Another busy afternoon seems the people you need to talk to are always busy when you are free and vice-versa. Slowly but surely things are falling together and it looks like the worst day here is equivalent to a good day at Ivy Dale. Not saying there wasn’t a great bunch of people that worked with Chris it’s more the organization and care and accountability. Structured environment that is always moving forward, so interaction between the different disciplines is important this in itself acts as a policing system because everyone books their time based on other activities that are planned so if you don’t show someone is looking for you and asking questions. So much more continuity it is wonderful and I am humbled at the chance for Christopher to be a part of this and to at least have a chance to build on the healing that has already taken place. Taking Chris back for dinner now will update with tomorrows activities later.
Kevin
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Wednesday March 11, 2009
Hi Everyone,
We are finally here the place is pretty amazing and so far the people are great, they all seem to care and are willing to work with us to make a change.
The Halvar Jonson Center named after the MLA for Rimbey/Ponoka in the 90’s also known and as the Centennial Center is located about 7 km from Hwy 2 along Hwy 53 in the back corner of Ponoka Alberta. It is a sprawling hospital with wigs in every direction. The brain injury section is 3 areas in its own section with approximately 16 patients to an area.
The Doctor not seeming to make out the info that was asked for from BC has started from the beginning with blood and x-rays etc, etc. This all to make sure they know what is going on with him right now and where immediate help can be applied.
The first few days are all spent meeting and greeting the team of therapists that will be treating him. Each met and observed asked questions and got direction from the doctor. Then input from us as to what has been going on in the past (zilch).
Dr. Rosencrantz and I have had several long and very interesting discussions and covered almost all the territory possible for the immediate future.
All of which will be detailed slowly in the weeks to come.
Quite the place I really do believe we are very lucky to be able to take part and have the help from staff and doctors. Although they do have a lot of the same problems here as we do at home and the rest of Canada, the big difference is the staff and their approach to problem solving. No applying drugs and unnecessary treatments to cover or treat nonexistent illness.
Everything that is tried or given is followed up very closely watching its outcome or effects. I could go on and on but I think you get the drift?
First two days have been exhausting and trying but it’s been a long wait far too long so no matter what it takes it will move forward and have every chance of success.
More tests and X-ray tomorrow start of some therapies such as Physio and OT, changing food and how it is delivered and all most all things that were never addressed up until now.
I cannot believe the openness and the time the doctor has taken to listen and understand our concerns and to explain all that he had to offer.
It has been -35 to -40 in the mornings and around -22 during the day time so no outside walks yet. Thursday it should get up to plus 2 daytime and -12 overnight.
I am so tired now I will update again tomorrow as I will have some down time during the day and Chris’ treatment.
Good Night
Kevin
We are finally here the place is pretty amazing and so far the people are great, they all seem to care and are willing to work with us to make a change.
The Halvar Jonson Center named after the MLA for Rimbey/Ponoka in the 90’s also known and as the Centennial Center is located about 7 km from Hwy 2 along Hwy 53 in the back corner of Ponoka Alberta. It is a sprawling hospital with wigs in every direction. The brain injury section is 3 areas in its own section with approximately 16 patients to an area.
The Doctor not seeming to make out the info that was asked for from BC has started from the beginning with blood and x-rays etc, etc. This all to make sure they know what is going on with him right now and where immediate help can be applied.
The first few days are all spent meeting and greeting the team of therapists that will be treating him. Each met and observed asked questions and got direction from the doctor. Then input from us as to what has been going on in the past (zilch).
Dr. Rosencrantz and I have had several long and very interesting discussions and covered almost all the territory possible for the immediate future.
All of which will be detailed slowly in the weeks to come.
Quite the place I really do believe we are very lucky to be able to take part and have the help from staff and doctors. Although they do have a lot of the same problems here as we do at home and the rest of Canada, the big difference is the staff and their approach to problem solving. No applying drugs and unnecessary treatments to cover or treat nonexistent illness.
Everything that is tried or given is followed up very closely watching its outcome or effects. I could go on and on but I think you get the drift?
First two days have been exhausting and trying but it’s been a long wait far too long so no matter what it takes it will move forward and have every chance of success.
More tests and X-ray tomorrow start of some therapies such as Physio and OT, changing food and how it is delivered and all most all things that were never addressed up until now.
I cannot believe the openness and the time the doctor has taken to listen and understand our concerns and to explain all that he had to offer.
It has been -35 to -40 in the mornings and around -22 during the day time so no outside walks yet. Thursday it should get up to plus 2 daytime and -12 overnight.
I am so tired now I will update again tomorrow as I will have some down time during the day and Chris’ treatment.
Good Night
Kevin
Saturday, March 7, 2009
March 7, 2009
Hi Everyone,
Dr. Rosenkranz from the Halvar Jonson Center called me on Thursday to say its all clear and they expect Chris there for Tuesday March 10th.
He will be traveling by Air ambulance from Laurel Place to Ponoka Alberta, we won’t know the times until Tuesday morning.
So the adventure moves forward and we all have our fingers crossed and hope for amazing things.
We will not get ahead of ourselves because we will be happy no matter what happens, we have to remember to keep an open mind.
The real work will not happen until we get home. Then we start planning for living and rehab on a daily basis never saying never.
Kevin
Dr. Rosenkranz from the Halvar Jonson Center called me on Thursday to say its all clear and they expect Chris there for Tuesday March 10th.
He will be traveling by Air ambulance from Laurel Place to Ponoka Alberta, we won’t know the times until Tuesday morning.
So the adventure moves forward and we all have our fingers crossed and hope for amazing things.
We will not get ahead of ourselves because we will be happy no matter what happens, we have to remember to keep an open mind.
The real work will not happen until we get home. Then we start planning for living and rehab on a daily basis never saying never.
Kevin
Sunday, March 1, 2009
March 1, 2009
Hello,
Not much new happening here, we await for the Norwalk virus to be cleared at the center in Alberta before we get a date to travel. When I hear I will let everyone know as quickly as possible.
Chris I know would definately enjoy visits and a walk from those who have time. If you are not sure when he will be in or out please check this site or give me a call, thanks.
Aqua therapy will continue until we go, the schedule will be same as below.
Dont forget you can leave messages and comments through the link below.
TTYL
Kevin
Not much new happening here, we await for the Norwalk virus to be cleared at the center in Alberta before we get a date to travel. When I hear I will let everyone know as quickly as possible.
Chris I know would definately enjoy visits and a walk from those who have time. If you are not sure when he will be in or out please check this site or give me a call, thanks.
Aqua therapy will continue until we go, the schedule will be same as below.
Dont forget you can leave messages and comments through the link below.
TTYL
Kevin
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